Here are some of Digital Unite's great partners and supporters helping to deliver Spring Online and Silver Surfers' Day.
Digital Unite
Digital Unite has been running Silver Surfers’ Day since 2002. Here’s more about how it has developed. We work in partnership with local and national organisations, including the great organisations below.
Partners
UK online centres
The UK online centres network has thousands of centres across England which provide free or low-cost access to computers and opportunities to learn about the internet.
Race Online 2012 and Go ON
Race Online 2012 is a challenge to everyone in the UK, to join the ambition to make the UK the first nation in the world where everyone can use the web. Go ON is their initiative to link all the places and tools to inspire, encourage and support inexperienced Internet users to get online. You too could be a Digital Champion and help others get more out of life online: Go ON, why not become a Digital Champion today.
Supporters
BBC
The BBC is the nation’s broadcaster and its remit includes media literacy initiatives such as First Click.
IT4Communities
IT4Communities is the UK’s leading national IT volunteering programme, helping charities and voluntary organisations to find volunteer IT professionals to help with their IT needs.
Department for Work and Pensions
‘Most of us take computers and the internet for granted, but for many older people and less confident users, getting online is a daunting prospect. They feel isolated and disengaged and we need to do more. Digital Unite’s Spring Online campaign plays a pivotal role in helping to bridge the digital divide. I encourage as many people as possible to get involved’ – The Rt Hon Iain Duncan Smith, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.
Defra
Rural Affairs Minister Rural Affairs Minister Richard Benyon says: ‘Going online is very important for people living and working in rural areas. In particular, the internet can improve older people’s quality of life – helping them to keep in touch and to access vital services and information. These are among the reasons why the Government is providing ÂŁ530m to ensure rural areas have excellent broadband facilities. I’m delighted to back this campaign, and wish it great success.’
We Are What We Do
We Are What We Do is a not-for-profit company creating products, tools and services that people want or need, which facilitate new behaviours. Internet Buttons is their latest creation aiming to get people from different generations spending more time together and helping overcome the growing digital divide which is often a barrier to communication.
Age UK
Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged, dedicated to improving later life. We provide a number of UK-wide digital inclusion programmes; the Digital Inclusion Network consisting of 200+ partner organisations, Connect with IT, and campaigns including itea and biscuits week, myfriends online week, Internet Champion of the Year search and IT Volunteering.
Sponsors
Wiltshire Farm Foods
Digital Unite is delighted to welcome Wiltshire Farm Foods as a sponsor to this year’s Spring Online campaign. Talia Findlay, Digital Marketing Manager of Wiltshire Farm Foods says: “As online access for the older generation becomes increasingly available, particularly through the use of tablet computers and smart phones, there are seemingly fewer barriers to overcome. However, there remain a large number of people over 65 who do not have the confidence or the support to get online. Wiltshire Farm Foods is proud to support Spring Online in reducing barriers and empowering our Silver Surfers to take advantage of the variety of opportunities the Internet provides.”
